By: Kathy Baccichet

This January, Etobicoke’s Supported Independent Living Group had the opportunity to take ten individuals on a trip of a lifetime.

One of these individuals was Cathy Hitchcock.
Ever since I met her five years ago, all Cathy would ever want to talk about is going on a plane or somewhere far away. I have always replied that in order to do so, she needs to save. And that she did. She managed to save enough to be considered for our big trip this year – a cruise adventure!

When I first discussed this trip with Cathy, she was unsure if that’s what she wanted but as soon as she heard that she would have the chance to fly and see places she had never seen, she was sold.

Our group of 13 arrived in Florida on January 31 to board the ship. Our first port of call was Amber Cove, Dominican Republic. When we got off the ship, Cathy could hardly contain her excitement. Looking out at the ocean, she asked if it was Lake Ontario. We explained to Cathy by showing her a map that we were now a long way from home. The whole group was in awe of being so far away and in such a hot climate.

The next destination on our list was St. Thomas, where we walked around and enjoyed the local sites. By the second port of call, everyone knew what to expect and had gained their sea legs. St. Juan was our third port of call, where we went on a guided bus tour and walked through the local streets. We all commented on the cobblestone streets and how different they looked from Toronto.

Our last port of call was Grand Turk where Cathy swam in the ocean for the first time. At night, we attended a Michael Jackson tribute show where everyone had so much fun, they danced in the aisles. As we boarded the trip after a long day, Cathy turned to me and asked “Kathy, when I can do this again?”

It was incredible to be a part of a trip that Cathy had waited 43 years to experience. This is one of the reasons why I came into this field; to see the joy first hand when someone gets to experience something new, reaches a milestone or simply gets to do things that so many of us take for granted. I will always remember this wonderful trip.

Upcoming Etobicoke/York Events

Etobicoke/York Council Meeting

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

295 The West Mall, Suite 204

6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Please call to RSVP to:

Wendy Dyke 647-729-3627

Monday Night Club
4pm-7:30pm
Etobicoke ADP
102 Advance Road
Call 416-232-1213 for details

Friendship Club
Last Wednesday of the month, 6pm-8pm
295 The West Mall in Boardroom
Registration: LauraLee Edmiston,
647-729-0440 or ledmiston@cltoronto.ca

Easy Roller Bowlathon

Saturday April 23, 2016
5:00 to 8:00 pm

Bowlerama West– 5429 Dundas Street West

Enjoy a fun evening of bowling for $25 or  collect $25 in sponsored pledges.

Registration deadline: Friday April 15^th
To register, get info and to obtain your pledge sheet contact: Wendy Dyke at 647-729-3627

All proceeds go towards Etobicoke/York Region council and membership.